The National Darts Federation of Papua New Guinea has sent a national team. They are competing in the 4^th South Pacific Darts Championships. The titles were officially launched on Monday in Suva, Fiji.

President Molean Kilepak confirmed that PNG was among a total of eight competing countries. These countries include hosts Fiji, Tonga, Niue, Kiribati, Nauru, Vanuatu, and Cook Islands.

“All countries have both mens and women’s teams except for Kiribati.”

“PNG was only able to send a team of 6 men and 6 women. The President is here to make a bid to host the next 5th SPDC in Port Moresby in 2027.”

Kilepak said that there was a lack of sponsorship towards the national federation. They managed to ask close friends to chip in. This assistance helped send the first team of six men to Fiji on Saturday.

The rest of the women’s team arrived on yesterday morning ahead of their matches today.

“The team format consists of 11 frames, starting with the 2x Trebles, 6x Singles and 3x Doubles. Two sessions will be conducted per day. The first session will be held from 11am-4pm and the second session from 5pm-10pm.”

He said the current format caused issues. The women’s team were expected to forfeit the first two sessions. This was due to their flight delay out of the country.

“We requested a reconsideration. We received a bye in the first session. But, we were included in the draw for the second session.”

“We have requested that the draw be reviewed again. Our full team would be ready by Wednesday. This is, of course, depending on our 4 members making it by then.”

“We have faced a lack of sponsorship towards our involvement. We are grateful to those individuals who have come forth to help us. They have requested not to be acknowledged publicly. Still, they know who they are. Your support has enabled our team to participate in the 4th SPDC.” Kilepak added.

PNG were the inaugural winners in 2018. They missed out on the last two SPDCs. Now, they are confident of reclaiming the title in Fiji.

“We are confident of reclaiming the title as Kings and Queens of Darts in the South Pacific. We received this title in the inaugural SPDC. It was held in Port Vila, Vanuatu in 2018,” he added.

2025 SPDC PNG squad: Cornwall Lahui Rudolph, Ginate Geita, Tamasi Arua, Ikau Karo, Arua Leke, Simon Maino (Men) Patricia Maurice, Merolyn Bamateng, Loa Joel, Mabel Maino, Sandra Navuru, Sarah Pepena (Women)